A filling device and method for filling a fluid into a tubular member

Abstract

A filling device (1) comprises a sub (20) having a main body (21) with an internal bore and being configured at a first end for connection to drilling machine (50), and a probe (40) extending a distance (E) beyond a second, opposite, end and thus having an effective probe length (E). An assembly comprises the filling device (1) and a tubular member (30) having a box portion (34) with an internal axial depth (K), and the effective probe length (E) is greater than the internal axial depth (K). The tubular member (30) comprises a drillpipe or drillstring, a casing, or a production tubing.

Description

[0001] A filling device and method for filling a fluid into a tubular member

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to tools and procedures for accessing and extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. More specifically, the invention concerns a device as defined by the preamble of claim 1, an assembly as defined by the preamble of claim 15, and a method as defined by the preamble of claim 17.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Within the field of oil and gas exploration, the term “sub” is typically used for a small sub, such as a short drill collar or a thread crossover. Subs are commonly used tools in drilling operations, particularly within the oil and gas exploration industry when drilling into subterranean formations, and may be described as a relatively short, tubular transition piece with threads at both ends. For example, a straight sub is used for connecting drillstring members of the same outer diameter, while another type of sub is used for connecting drillstring members that have different diameters. A top drive sub, such as a saver sub, is used as a sacrificial element between the drillstring and the top drive and thus reducing repair and maintenance costs. A saver sub is used for extending the life of the rotary kelly or top drive. The saver sub is screwed onto the kelly or top drive at one end and the drillstring at the other. The threads at the end for connection to the drillstring are external (male), while the threads on the opposite end may be male or female. This is referred to as a threaded pin-and-box connection. During a drilling operation, drillstring members (e.g. drillpipes) are frequently added to the drillstring and this is accomplished by unscrewing the threads between the saver sub and the drillstring while the saver sub remains connected to the kelly or top drive. The connection between the saver sub and the kelly or top drive is therefore seldom used, whereby the threads in these components are spared.

[0006] Drilling operations into subterranean hydrocarbon reservoirs commonly involve pumping a drilling fluid into the wellbore, through the sub and the drillstring. Drilling fluids are used for various reasons, such as to exert hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore to prevent and / or control influx of formation fluids during drilling, to suspend and remove drill cutting from the drill bit and return the cuttings to the surface above the wellbore, and for cooling the rotating drill bit. Drilling fluids are also pumped into the wellbore when the drillstring is being pulled out from the wellbore, in order to maintain hydrostatic pressure and thus prevent the borehole wall from collapsing and / or drawing fluid from exposed formations into the borehole (i.e. to control the swabbing effect).

[0007] One reason for using a saver sub it to protect the kelly or top drive, as these components are complex and costly and the procedure for replacing them is time-consuming and costly. The saver sub, on the other hand, is an expendable tool that requires a relatively short time to replace. However, to use a DDM (Direct Drilling Machine ) / TD (Top Drive) while filling drill pipe with fluid trough saver sub, they preferably should be in threaded compatibility with the pipe running in well at the time, allowing to making up the saver sub to drill pipe and fill the drill string at a relatively large rate. Another option is to make up a crossover sub to string and then make up the DDM / TD. This takes time and exposes personnel in a hazardous “red zone” with manual handling on the drill floor, which the industry seeks to minimize or avoid. Another method in use, referred to as “top filling”, comprises filling the string without connection with the saver sub placed closed to the incompatible drill pipe connection. This is a timeconsuming process since it requires to be performed with low pump rate due to air that must be evacuated from the drill string. There is thus a need for a new saver sub that has a wider range of use and offers more flexibility than the prior art saver subs, without necessarily having to be made up to the active component (i.e. a tubular member such as a drillpipe, a casing, or production tubing).

[0008] The prior art includes US 2015 / 0122490 Al, which describes a system and a method for mud circulation, in which a gripping device is connected to a drillpipe by means of engagement features (e.g. slips), and the gripping device and drillpipe are connected during a mud circulation operation. A seal ring is arranged in the gripping device body and configured for sealing the connection between the gripping device and the drillpipe end. The seal ring can be provided with a pressure sensor which is connected to a mud pump controller. A filler neck is arranged within the gripping device body and is dimensioned to extend a portion into the drillpipe. The method of operating the system comprises stabbing the filler neck into the drillpipe, compressing the ring seal between the drillpipe and the gripping device, engaging a circumferential portion of the drillpipe and imparting rotation to the gripping device, passing fluid (e.g. mud) through the drillpipe from the gripping device, and controlling the fluid flow based on measured feedback.

[0009] The prior art also includes WO 2020 / 036491 Al, which describes a method and a device for supplying liquid to a liner. The device comprises an extendible pipe portion having a head part with a box portion for connection to a pin portion of a saver sub.

[0010] The prior art also includes WO 2023 / 282765 Al, which describes an extendible tubing and a method of facilitating transfer of fluid between a fluid supplying device and a fluid receiving device.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

[0013] It is thus provided a filling device, comprising a sub having a main body with a first internal bore and being configured at a first end for connection to drilling machine, characterized in that the sub comprises by a probe extending a distance beyond a second, opposite, end and thus having an effective probe length, and the probe comprises a second internal bore in fluid communication with said first internal bore.

[0014] In one embodiment, said second end comprises a pin portion extending from the main body and being configured for connection to a box portion of a joint of a tubular member having a third internal bore. In one embodiment, the probe outer diameter is less than the diameter of the third internal bore.

[0015] In one embodiment, the probe is an integral part of the sub or is releasably connected to the internal diameter of the pin portion. This allows the probe to be permanently installed or be a fixed part of the saver sub and it will thus be compatible with the drill string at surface while drilling. A potential second seal area or torque area of the saver sub against the drill pipe will thus be accessible.

[0016] In a tapered string, the drillpipe consists of two or more sizes or weights. A larger diameter pipe is normally placed at the top of the drillstring and the smaller size at the bottom. Traditionally, other methods or tools are required for filling pipe, but the present invention can be used more effectively on different pipe sizes.

[0017] In an embodiment, a portion of the probe is arranged within the pin portion, and the effective probe length is the length of the portion of the probe which extends beyond the pin portion.

[0018] The probe comprises a main body and a probe tip. In one embodiment, the probe tip comprises a bevelled portion at its free end and a gasket or other sealing device behind the probe tip free end. The probe tip can be is releasably connected to the main body. The probe can also be used without seals, in which case it will not be possible to pump with pressure, but only to fill the tubular. In one embodiment, the probe tip comprises a shoulder configured for abutting against an internal shoulder in a box portion of said joint.

[0019] In an embodiment, the probe comprises an internal conduit having an inlet in the region of the probe free end and an outlet in a region near the pin portion, whereby when fluid is pumped through the probe and into the tubular member, gas may evacuate through the conduit. The sub may be a saver sub.

[0020] In an embodiment, the probe tip comprises an inner pipe member having an axial bore, and an extendible pipe member arranged coaxially with - and configured to move axially with respect to - the inner pipe member. The inner pipe member can comprise a flexible bellows. In an embodiment, the extendible pipe member comprises an opening which is narrower than the inner pipe member’ s axial bore, and the ratio between the opening and the bore is dimensioned such that a fluid flowing downwards inside the bore will push the extendible pipe member downwards and thus extend it, and a resilient member can be arranged between the inner pipe member and the extendible pipe member and be configured and dimensioned to exert a suitable resistance to the extension and / or to retract the extendible pipe member when the load imposed by the fluid ceases or is below a predefined value.

[0021] It is also provided an assembly comprising the filling device according to the invention, and a tubular member having a box portion with an internal axial depth, characterized in that the effective probe length is greater than the internal axial depth. In one embodiment, the tubular member comprises a drillpipe or drillstring, a casing, or a production tubing.

[0022] It is also provided a method of filling a fluid into a tubular member, characterized by: a) arranging the filling device according to the invention in axial alignment with the tubular member; b) advancing the probe into a box portion of a joint of the tubular member; and c) filling a fluid through said second internal bore of the probe and into said third internal bore of the tubular member. In one embodiment, a portion of the probe is advanced a distance into the third internal bore of the tubular member, such that the probe tip is below the box portion and extends a distance into the bore and a seal on a tip on the probe is bearing against the wall of the bore, thus forming a closed fluid conduit between the probe and the static tubular member, and the pin portion on the sub is not interfering with the box portion.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method, step b) comprises advancing the probe into said box portion until a shoulder on a tip of the probe abuts against an internal shoulder in the box portion. In an embodiment, a seal on the probe tip is bearing against the drillstring member third internal bore.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, the filling device and the tubular member are being moved axially while fluid is being filled through the second internal bore of the probe and into the third internal bore of the tubular member. In one embodiment, the filling device is connected to a kelly, top drive, or a Direct Drilling Machine.

[0025] The invented filling device makes it possible to fill fluid into a tubular member in which the joint box is incompatible with the pin portion of the sub, as the probe extends a distance into the joint box or beyond.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the filling device according to the invention arranged above a tubular member box connection of a first type;

[0028] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the area “A” in figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 corresponds to figure 1 and shows a portion of the filling device partly inserted into the box connection of a tubular member in a first position, and fluid is being filled into the tubular member;

[0030] Figure 4 corresponds to figure 1 and figure 3 and shows a portion of the filling device partly inserted into the box connection of a tubular member in a second position, and fluid is being filled into the tubular member;

[0031] Figure 5 corresponds to figure 1 and figure 3 and figure 4 and shows a portion of the filling device inserted into the box connection of a tubular member in a third position;

[0032] Figure 6 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the filling device according to the invention partly inserted into the tubular member box connection; and fluid is being filled into the tubular member;

[0033] Figure 7 corresponds to figure 6 and shows a portion of the filling device according to the second embodiment of the invention partly inserted into the tubular member box connection of a second type;

[0034] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area “B” in figure 7;

[0035] Figure 9 corresponds to figure 7 and shows a portion of the filling device partly inserted into the box connection;

[0036] Figure 10 shows the filling device according to the first embodiment of the invention partly inserted into the tubular member box connection of the second type;

[0037] Figure I la and figure 1 lb show the filling device in use as a lubricator;

[0038] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the filling device according to the first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 13 is an elevation view of a third embodiment of the filling device according to the invention, in which the probe tip comprises an extendible pipe member

[0039] (drawing not to scale).

[0040] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0041] The following description may use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, ’’upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, “underneath”, “above”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader’s convenience only and shall not be limiting.

[0042] Referring initially to figure 1, the filling device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a sub 20 and a probe 40. The sub 20 comprises a cylindrical main body 21 having an internal bore 24 (also referred to as a first internal bore) and being configured for connection to a kelly or top drive (for example of a Direct Drilling Machine: DDM) in a manner known in the art. The sub 20 also comprises a pin portion 22 extending from the main body 21 and configured for connection to a box portion 34 of a joint 31 of a tubular member (e.g. a drillpipe, a casing, production tubing) 30. Such threaded pin-and-box connection is well known in the art. The pin portion 22 is illustrated with hatch lines to indicate a longitudinal section view, illustrating an internal bore. The outward surface of the pin portion 22 comprises threads (not shown) and an outward geometry configured for connection to a complementary- shaped and threaded inward geometry of the box portion 34. In one embodiment, the sub 20 is a sub as described above, for example a saver sub. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sub 20 is an XT 57, 5 7 / 8” drillpipe saver sub configured for connection to a DDM main shaft.

[0043] The probe 40 is fitted to the sub 20 and extends a distance E beyond the pin portion 22. This distance E is thus the effective probe length. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the probe 40 is fitted inside the bore of the pin portion 22. In one embodiment, the probe 40 is an integral part of the sub 20, i.e. the probe 40 and sub 20 are machined as one piece. In another embodiment, the probe is releasably connected to the pin portion 22. In one embodiment, the probe 40 is releasably connected to the pin portion 22 via threaded connection (not shown) inside the pin portion. The probe comprises an internal bore 23 (also referred to as a second internal bore) which is in fluid communication with the above-mentioned first internal bore 24 extending though the sub main body 21.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the effective probe length E is greater than the internal axial depth K of the box portion 34.

[0045] Referring additionally to figure 2, the probe 40 comprises a main body 41 and a probe tip 42. The probe tip and main body may be one, integral, element, or the probe tip 42 may be a replaceable member, for example releasably secured to the probe main body by a threaded connection (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the probe tip has a bevelled portion 44 at its free end, and a gasket or other sealing device 43 behind the probe tip free end.

[0046] In figure 3, the filling device 1 has been lowered towards the joint 31 in a stationary tubular member 30 and a portion of the probe 40 is extending into the box portion 34. In this configuration, a fluid D may be flowed (e.g. pumped) through the probe 40 and into the tubular member 30 internal bore 33 (also referred to as a third internal bore). The tubular member 30 may be a drillstring member and the fluid D may be drilling fluid. Arrows G indicate gas (e.g. air) being forced out from the third internal bore 33, between the probe and the box interior, as fluid D is being introduced. It will be understood that the probe 40 makes it possible to feed fluid into the tubular member 30 without having to make up the threaded connection between the sub pin portion 22 and the tubular member box portion 34. This is particularly useful when the pin portion 22 is incompatible with the tubular member (e.g. drillstring member) box portion 34, for example having different dimensions or geometries. The filling device 1 may therefore be used as a fluid filling tool independently of the type and dimension of the box portion 34.

[0047] In figure 4, the probe 40 has been inserted further into the tubular member 30, such that the probe tip 42 is below the box portion 34 and extends a distance into the third internal bore 33. The probe outer diameter is less than the diameter of the third internal bore 33. The seal 43 is bearing against the wall of the third internal bore 33, thus forming a closed fluid conduit between the probe and the static tubular member 30. As the probe length E is greater than the internal depth K of the box portion 34 (see figure 1), the probe may be introduced into the box portion 34 and the third internal bore 33 without having the pin portion 22 on the sub 20 interfering with the box portion 34.

[0048] Figure 5 illustrates a configuration in which the pin portion 22 and the tubular member box portion 34 are compatible, and the pin-and-box connection has been made up via their threads, in manner known in the art. The probe 40 is extending into the tubular member third internal bore 33.

[0049] Figure 6 corresponds to figure 3 but shows a second embodiment of the filling device 1 according to the invention. Also referring to figure 8, the probe tip 42’ in this embodiment comprises a shoulder 45. Figure 7 illustrates a configuration where the pin 22 and box 34 are incompatible, as discussed above.

[0050] In figure 9, the shoulder 45 of the probe tip 40 has a shape which corresponds to the internal geometry of the box portion 34, i.e. the box portion comprises an internal shoulder 35. The filling device 1 has been lowered until the probe tip shoulder 45 abuts against the internal shoulder 35. The seal 43 is bearing against the drillstring member third internal bore 33. Figure 10 shows the filling device according to the first embodiment with the probe tip abutting against a shoulder inside the box portion 34.

[0051] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the filling device, in which the probe 40 comprises an internal conduit 46 having an inlet 46a in the region of the probe free end and an outlet 46b in a region near the pin portion 22. In use, when fluid D is pumped through the probe 40 and into the tubular member (not shown in figure 12) gas (e.g. air) G may evacuate through the conduit 46. It should be understood that this embodiment also may be used in the configurations described above.

[0052] The invented filling device 1 as described above may be used as a tool for filling drilling fluid into a static drillstring during a drilling procedure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, and for filling fluid into a casing and other tubular, such as production tubing and other small tubing.

[0053] Referring now to figures I la and 1 lb, the invented filling device 1 may also - in addition to the applications described above - be used as a lubricating tool (or a pump- and-pull tool) when pulling a drillstring out from a wellbore. When the drillstring is pulled upward, out of the borehole, the upward movement of the drillstring member causes friction between the pipe and the drilling fluid (i.e. drilling mud). The pressure decreases in the well due to the swab effect, and if the drillstring tool is pulled out too fast it creates a piston effect that draws - or tends to draw - some of the fluid out of the hole with it. This tends to reduce hydrostatic pressure in the well and can cause the borehole wall to collapse or letting formation fluid flow into wellbore unless the swab effect is countered by adding drill fluid.

[0054] Figure 1 la and figure 1 lb show the invented filling device 1 in use as a lubricating tool, for mitigating swab effect when tripping out of hole. The filling device 1 is assembled onto a drillpipe filler assembly, and the length of the probe 40 has been dimensioned to extend into and seal against the inner geometry of the joint 31 (e.g. against the internal box portion 34, as shown in figures 4, 9, 10). This enables drilling fluid pumping while pulling on the elevator 53 (i.e. pulling the drillpipe 30 out-of-hole). Because the probe 40 extends beyond the elevator 53, it is inserted into the drillpipe 30. The drilling machine 50 is then lowered such that the elevator 53 may be connected to the drillpipe 30, below the drillpipe joint 31. The elevator 53 is then pulled upwards until it is immediately below the drillpipe joint 31. At this point, filling of drilling fluid may start, simultaneously with the assembly being pulled upwards, pulling the drillpipe out of the hole. Because the probe 40 extends a distance into the drillpipe 30, slips 51 can easily be set in the drill floor 52 and the drilling machine 50 can be lowered and screwed into the drillpipe as and if required.

[0055] When the assembly is lifted up into the drilling derrick (not shown), drilling fluid circulation is stopped and slips 51 are set. The force by which the probe seals is bearing against the inside diameter of the drillstring member box portion 34 is controlled to maintain a sealed connection between the probe tip 42 and the drillstring member 30. The drillstring member 30 is then released in a manner known in the art.

[0056] The fluid inside the drill pipe stand being lifted vertically will be drained through a mudbucket, including inside the lubricator tool. The probe 40 extending a distance into the joint 31 creates a sealed connection allowing sufficient vertical movement and thus ensures that there is no leakage between the lubricator and inside drill pipe tool joint. The filling device 1 may also be used for filling a drill pipe or other tubular (e.g. production tubing) while running in-hole. In this application, the procedure will be a reversed variant of the procedure described above with reference to figures I la and 1 lb. In this case, the probe can also be used without seals and will in this case not be able to be used with pump pressure, but only to pump through as a filling device.

[0057] Using the filling device 1 as described above with reference to figures I la and 1 lb saves time, as there is no need to change to a separate filling tool. The filling device 1 according to the invention is useful when pin and box are incompatible but is useful even when pin and box are compatible.

[0058] Referring to figure 13, the probe tip can in one embodiment be extendible. The probe tip 42” illustrated in figure 13 comprises an inner pipe member 71 which is connected to the probe main body 41 in a similar manner as the probe tips 42 and 41’ described above. The inner pipe member 71 comprises an axial bore 76. An extendible pipe member 72 is arranged coaxially with - and is configured to move axially with respect to - the inner pipe member 71, as indicated by the arrow E. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner pipe member 71 is inside the extendible pipe member 72. The inner pipe member 71 can comprise a flexible bellows 75.

[0059] In an embodiment, the extendible pipe member 72 comprises an opening 74 which is narrower than the inner pipe member’s axial bore 76. The ratio between the opening 72 and the bore 76 is dimensioned such that a fluid (for example dill fluid) flowing downwards inside the bore 76 will push the extendible pipe member 72 downwards and thus extend it. In one embodiment, a resilient member 73 (for example a coil spring) is arranged between the inner pipe member 71 and the extendible pipe member 72 and is configured and dimensioned to exert a suitable resistance to the extension and / or to retract the extendible pipe member 72 when the load imposed by the fluid ceases or is below a predefined value. The probe tip 42” of this embodiment can be used for gravity- assisted filling of a fluid into a casing, when there is no requirement for a sealed connection between the extendible pipe member 72 and the casing.

[0060] In the embodiments described above, various features and details are shown in combination. The fact that several features are described with respect to a particular example should not be construed as implying that those features by necessity have to be included together in all embodiments of the invention. Conversely, features that are described with reference to different embodiments should not be construed as mutually exclusive. As a person skilled in the art readily will understand, embodiments that incorporate any subset of features described herein and that are not expressly interdependent have been contemplated by the inventor and are part of the intended disclosure. However, explicit description of all such embodiments would not contribute to the understanding of the principles of the invention, and consequently some permutations of features have been omitted for the sake of simplicity or brevity.

Claims

Claims1. A filling device (1), comprising a sub (20) having a main body (21) with a first internal bore (24) and being configured at a first end for connection to drilling machine (50), characterized in that the sub (20) comprises a probe (40) extending a distance (E) beyond a second, opposite, end and thus having an effective probe length (E), and the probe comprises a second internal bore (23) in fluid communication with said first internal bore.

2. The filling device of claim 1, wherein said second end comprises a pin portion (22) extending from the main body (21) and being configured for connection to a box portion (34) of a joint (31) of a tubular member (30) having a third internal bore (33).

3. The filling device of claim 2, wherein the probe (40) outer diameter is less than the diameter of the third internal bore (33).

4. The filling device of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the probe (40) is an integral part of the sub (20) or is releasably connected to the pin portion (22).

5. The filling device of claim 4, wherein a portion of the probe (40) is arranged within the pin portion (22) and the effective probe length (E) is the length of the portion of the probe (40) which extends beyond the pin portion (22).

6. The filling device of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the probe (40) comprises a main body (41) and a probe tip (42; 41’; 42”).

7. The filling device of claim 6, wherein the probe tip (42) comprises a bevelled portion (44) at its free end and a gasket or other sealing device (43) behind the probe tip free end.

8. The filling device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the probe tip (42) is releasably connected to the main body (41).

9. The filling device of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the probe tip comprises a shoulder (45), and the shoulder is configured for abutting against an internal shoulder (35) in a box portion (34) of said joint (31).

10. The filling device of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the probe (40) comprises an internal conduit (46) having an inlet (46a) in the region of the probe free end and an outlet (46b) in a region near the pin portion (22), whereby when fluid (D) is pumped through the probe (40) and into the tubular member (30), gas (G) may evacuate through the conduit (46).

11. The filling device of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the sub (20) is a saver sub.

12. The filling device of claim 6, wherein the probe tip (42”) comprises an inner pipe member (71) having an axial bore (76), and an extendible pipe member (72) arranged coaxially with - and configured to move axially with respect to - the inner pipe member (71).

13. The filling device of claim 12, wherein the inner pipe member (71) comprises a flexible bellows (75).

14. The filling device of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the extendible pipe member (72) comprises an opening (74) which is narrower than the inner pipe member’s axial bore (76), and the ratio between the opening (72) and the bore (76) is dimensioned such that a fluid flowing downwards inside the bore (76) will push the extendible pipe member (72) downwards and thus extend it, and wherein a resilient member (73) is arranged between the inner pipe member (71) and the extendible pipe member (72) and is configured and dimensioned to exert a suitable resistance to the extension and / or to retract the extendible pipe member (72) when the load imposed by the fluid ceases or is below a predefined value.

15. An assembly comprising the filling device (1) as defined by any one of claim 1- 11 and a tubular member (30) having a box portion (34) with an internal axial depth (K), characterized in that the effective probe length (E) is greater than the internal axial depth (K).

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the tubular member (30) comprises a drillpipe or drillstring, a casing, or a production tubing.

17. A method of filling a fluid into a tubular member (30), characterized by: a) arranging the filling device (1) as defined by any one of claims 1-11 in axialalignment with the tubular member (30); b) advancing the probe (40) into a box portion (34) of a joint (31) of the tubular member (30); and c) filling a fluid (D) through said second internal bore (23) of the probe and into said third internal bore (33) of the tubular member.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein a portion of the probe (40) is advanced a distance into the third internal bore (33) of the tubular member (30), such that the probe tip (42) is below the box portion (34) and extends a distance into the bore (33) and a seal (43) on a tip (42) on the probe (40) is bearing against the wall of the bore (33), thus forming a closed fluid conduit between the probe (40) and the static tubular member (30), and the pin portion (22) on the sub (20) is not interfering with the box portion (34).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein step b) comprises advancing the probe (40) into said box portion (34) until a shoulder (45) on a tip (42’) of the probe (40) abuts against an internal shoulder (35) in the box portion (34).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a seal (43) on the probe tip is bearing against the drillstring member third internal bore (33).

21. The method of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the filling device (1) and the tubular member (30) are being moved axially while fluid is being filled through the second internal bore (23) of the probe and into said third internal bore (33) of the tubular member.

22. The method of any one of claims 17-21, wherein the filling device (1) is connected to a kelly, top drive, or a Direct Drilling Machine (50).

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